Nevada State Museum Expansion
Carson City, Nevada
The Dema Guinn Concourse at the Nevada State Museum in Carson City is a striking example of a modern adaptation for a historic building. The design of the dramatic structure deftly bridges Nevada’s past, present, and future. Before this project, the Nevada State Museum was housed in three buildings, each reflecting a distinct architectural style: The historic Carson City Mint; an annex added in the 1950s; and a former bank building to the north. These buildings were constructed with floors on five different levels in addition to the famous Mine Exhibit in the basement of the old Mint Building. This arrangement did not lend itself to ADA accessibility requirements. The concourse was designed to provide a link to all the buildings, including an elevator to provide access to all levels. The concourse blends a modern glass exterior with an exposed steel structure reminiscent of the heavy timbers used in the mines. The elevator tower design reflects the structure of the head-frames used for hoists in Nevada’s early mines. The main entrance to the museum is located in the concourse building next to a renovated plaza. The Dema Guinn Concourse was honored by Southwest Contractor magazine as the Best of 2009 in the Cultural category.Owner: County of Carson City, NevadaGeneral Contractor: Reyman Bros. ConstructionArchitect: Robbie Oxoby, A.I.A.Project Manager: Kenneth Reyman